About a decade ago, our high school band used to be the crown jewel of our school; always winning awards and trophies, carrying our school with pride. Over time, however, membership started decreasing as the veterans started leaving and interest declined as kids just didn't want to stay afterschool.

Anyway, we hit rock bottom 3 years ago when enrollment was at 9. Yeah, 9. The district hired a new band director and ended up teaching those nine kids the first year. In just his second year though, enrollment went up by 5x for a whopping 45 members. It was (as small as the band may seem to the rest of you) an impressive accomplishment.

Now we're up to 86 members and we're expecting at least 115 kids next season. As a student aid, I've seen the mounds of work he does to keep the band going and growing, not to mention to keep it free (as in no member fees whatsoever). Next year, though, will be difficult as there isn't a staff to work with (and there hasn't been a staff) so organization and proper, thorough teaching methods will be tough to come by. Seeing that I really want to see the band succeed, I'd like to offer my help to see that things get done correctly not just in the drumline, but throughout the winds and other various clerical stuff. The problem is I don't know really know how to approach him with such an offer. I would pretty much work for no pay; it wouldn't really matter as long as the band goes ahead and gets back into competition marching. I also have plenty of ideas to suggest. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions would be helpful and sorry about this awfully long post. Thanks!

first of, are you still a student at the school? because it would work out fine if you already graduated. and if you already did, then say it flat out "Mr. ________ i have to talk to you about something. I realize that there will be a good number of people here next year, and I've seen the work you put into this band. I was wondering if you needed some extra help with making this next year succeed (maybe add in), for no pay too." I wouldnt beat around the bush. lol. good luck

Just tell him that you would like to help out the band program in whatever capacity you can, (i.e. helping with the drumline, clerical stuff, whatever). Tell him you're not looking for money, you just want to help the program. If you're out of school, let him know when you're available. If you're still in school, let him know you can help after school, before school, whenever. Just talk to him.

in school or not i would offer my help. If u are in school it can be smaller things that he knows he can rely on u for such as making copys or helping him with problems that kids are having that can be dealt with without his help. If u are graduated tho just go up to him and say mr soso i would like to be a volunteer staff member/tech for this coming year.

Most band directors would love to have help in any part of their job because they have so much to do already, so there probably wouldn't be any problem with you being a tech.

Yeah, i agree with temple snare, most band directors do need a crapload of techs, sorting music and the like...

I just showed up. Come the end of the year I knew I was going to be around so I just came to preseason practices. I was just there and after two years of free work I'm now a member of the paid staff. So if you want to ask you can, but I'm sure if you show up to practice and saw you are there to help your director won't say no.